Earthquakes, hurricanes, illness and sudden economic changes happen. Sometimes, the only thing we can do is be prepared. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, over half of Americans graded themselves at “C” or lower on their understanding of finances. So that’s a C, D or F, if you recall from school.

If your knowledge of money matters is at a “C” or below, that makes your financial foundation pretty weak! Any change in job market, economy or life circumstance could cause a financial disaster in your life. If that’s you, don’t fret!

I spoke with Shane Houston on our daily show awhile back. When I first met Shane he was 18, working at a grocery store and going to school. He was raised by a single mom and was used to living without a lot of extra cash around. And t 18, he was already making daily financial blunders!

“I was in debt, with student loans. But also, I was given a truck and for some reason I decided to take out a loan and buy another car so I also had a car debt. I was literally living paycheck-to-paycheck from that grocery store and, I remember, it’d be the day I got paid and I would be waiting on it because I had no money in the bank because I had just wasted all of it on entertainment and the cafeteria at the college.”

His life now is very different, he is no longer in debt, he’s 25 and is a business man. What did he do to change it all? “After my first First Steps To Success event I can remember just applying one specific strategy I learned, that you taught at that event. I was actually able to pay off my student loans and my car loan while I was still in school full-time and working part-time at that same grocery store. Same amount of money I was making before, that I used to blow on entertainment.”

He paid off his debt in the 2 years he was in school with the same income and job he always had. He finally just stopped blowing it all! I’m sharing this story for two reasons!

1. I want you to realize these aren’t skills we’re normally taught growing up. In fact, our society and media perpetuate the opposite. Debt, spending more than you have and living paycheck-to-paycheck are taught to be the norm.
2. Shane didn’t just learn how to spend better, he’s also stopped using excuses to keep himself stuck. “I had surgery and was bed-ridden for a month in September of 2013. So obviously I couldn’t work. I had no income. But I got your script books, and other trainings, and made another $9,000 just lying in bed.”

Most people would use life’s circumstances as an excuse, but Shane didn’t! There are a few simple financial principles that could change how you think about money. Not just how you spend (or DON’T spend) money, but also how to make it.

Maybe you haven’t really thought about planning out your finances, yet. But man, I hope this is your wake-up call. You never know what circumstances will change in your life, but your entire financial situation can turn on a dime. In my life alone, I’ve experienced it many times over. I’ve been embezzled from, abandoned by my first husband. On the other side, I also managed to generate my first million in just two years. It’s crazy how quickly things can change.

Your finances are 100% YOUR responsibility. So the bottom line is, you NEED to have a plan for your money. What is your plan to go from a “C or lower” financial grade to a “B” or even an “A”?

What is your plan to revolutionize the way you spend money? While you’re telling me about YOUR new plans in the comments below, don’t forget to Like and Share today’s message with your friends and family.

If you’re looking for more financial wisdom, tips and strategies, be sure to join us for The Dani Johnson Show where you can gain more inspiration to improve your everyday life. You can find the show on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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